Shop Smart: You can help save endangered habitats and animals by thinking about the environment when you shop. Indonesia, one of the world’s most valuable homes for endangered animals, has lost over 100 million acres of rainforest due to industry. These invaluable rainforests are in immediate danger of disappearing, as are the endangered animals that rely upon them. In order to be part of the solution, avoid purchasing the following items:

Don't Buy:

Tropical plywood

Dowels made from ramin

Rayon viscose (a clothing fabric)

Palm oil-based products

Exotic hardwoods: teak, ebony, sandalwood or ironwood

and more!

Do Buy:

Recycled and tree-free products.

certified shade grown and organic coffee.

certified forest products or salvaged wood for furniture.

and more!

Watch Some Whales: By traveling to endangered habitats to study wildlife, you are voting with your dollars--giving money to support wildlife and the environment! There are hundreds of amazing eco-tourist-geared vacations that you could enjoy.

Whale watching is one of the most fascinating activities in the world, but it also greatly increases the aquatic mammals’ chances of survival. How? Each year, roughly 10 million people go whale watching, spending more than $1.25 billion on their adventures. 87 countries around the globe benefit economically from whale watching, making whale survival a matter of national interest. Whale watching also increases the amount of knowledge of whales and their habitats, garnering attention for their plight.

In Your Community: By encouraging local stores to stock tree free and recycled products, you will make it easier for everyone to help endangered animals! Also, why not support or start community recycling programs for mixed paper as well as newspaper?

We hope that these few ideas have gotten your creative, environmentally friendly juices flowing. There are countless ways you can help endangered animals--find what works for you!